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PLN Gradually Recovers Electricity Supply (0)
State-owned electricity firm PT PLN has recovered electric power to Balaraja Extra High Voltage substation in Banten Province, and furthermore it will be channeled to Suralaya steam-fueled power plant (PLTU) to gradually recover its operation to reach its capacity of 2800 MW of electricity.
In addition, power supply from Gandul Extra High Voltage substations in Depok, West Java Province, will be channeled to Muara Karang gas and steam power plant (PLTGU) to supply electricity to the Indonesian capital city, Jakarta.
Acting President Director of PLN Sripeni Inten Cahyani said here on Sunday that the power supply to Jakarta was expected to recover within three hours.
"We apologize for the inconvenience today, and currently all efforts have been made to recover the Java-Bali power system, especially in the area of West Java, Banten, and Jakarta," Cahyani said.
The company has focused on power supply to PLTGU Muara Karang and PLTGU Priok to recover the system in the capital city.
Previously, PLN has recovered the operation of hydro-generated power plant (PLTA) Saguling and PLTA Cirata which are functioned as power stabilizer, and, at the same time, supply the electricity to PLTU Suralaya through Cibinong, Depok, Gandul, Lengkok, Balaraja and Suralaya extra high voltage substations.
PLTU Suralaya is expected to return to its normal operation within six hours to normalize power system in West Java and Banten.
Blackout that affected thousands of homes and public facilities in West Java, Jakarta, and Banten was caused by several troubles in the extra high voltage 500 kV transmission of Ungaran - Pemalang.
"PLN has taken its best efforts and will have evaluation to prevent recurrence of today's incident," Cahyani said.
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September
ASEAN, China Approves Indonesia's Initiative to Accelerate CoC Negotiations on South China Sea
Written by Nur Yasmin
VOInews, Jakarta: During Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023, Indonesia's initiative to accelerate the Code of Conduct (COC) negotiation process in the South China Sea (LTS) was successfully agreed upon by all ASEAN countries and China.
"In addition to accelerating negotiations, Indonesia's initiative in the form of Guidelines can be a practical guideline that also contains substantive material to keep the COC effective and actionable," the Foreign Ministry's Director of ASEAN Security Political Cooperation, Rolliansyah Soemirat, said in a statement received by Indonesia Window here on Friday (1/9/2023).
The first-of-its-kind guidelines summarize ASEAN-RRT aspirations to complete the COC in three years or less, through intensive discussion of pending issues and other proposed working methods to make negotiations faster and more effective.
"Given the complexity of the elements in the COC, the parties involved have been very cautious so a breakthrough is needed to accelerate the process," Rolliansyah said.
The COC is expected to be a code of conduct that reflects international norms, principles and rules that are in line with and refer to international law, especially UNCLOS with the aim of achieving a stable, safe and peaceful LTS region.
Indonesia always supports confidence building measures (CBMs) and reducing tensions to support prosperity in the region, and continues to ensure ASEAN centrality in LTS issues.
During Indonesia's Chairmanship of ASEAN, the COC negotiations have successfully completed the second reading or second round of negotiations. This shows a positive development that is expected to continue to be a momentum to accelerate the agreement of the code of conduct.
Indonesia has hosted the COC negotiations between ASEAN and China last March. At the end of 2023, Indonesia plans to host another round of COC negotiations as a contribution to accelerating the process.
In addition to the COC negotiations, Indonesia will continue to promote practical maritime cooperation between ASEAN and the PRC for the LTS region that can enhance mutual trust, in order to support and maintain peace, security and stability in the region. (VOI/Andy)
August
VOINews, Jakarta - Indonesia is ready to hold the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) on September 5 and 6, 2023, in Jakarta to discuss and establish business cooperation.
The forum's theme is focused on the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), Erick Thohir, informed here on Monday that AIPF is Indonesia's initiative as this year's ASEAN chair.
"There are three areas that AIPF will focus on, namely green infrastructure and resilient supply chain, digital transformation and creative economy, and sustainable and innovative financing," Thohir said.
The AIPF will serve as a platform for the private sector, the public, and SOEs from ASEAN and its partners to discuss and establish inclusive, collaborative, and concrete business cooperation, he added.
The forum will have panel discussions and talk shows that will bring together industry leaders, government expert staff, international financial bodies, international organizations, as well as world-class companies from ASEAN and its partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
It will include project exhibitions and business matching meetings.
At least eight SOEs, namely Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), Pertamina, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Bank Mandiri, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), state holding MIND ID, Telkom Indonesia, and InJourney will participate in the event.
Meanwhile, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Standard Chartered, Google, Sun Cable, and the British Chamber of Commerce will also take part in the AIPF series.
A number of leaders from organizations and companies, including the World Economic Forum, ASEAN-BAC (Business Advisory Council), Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Maybank, Airbus, Microsoft, and the US Trade and Development Agency, will serve as speakers and panelists at AIPF.
"AIPF is a momentum to show the strategic role of SOEs and to expand investment cooperation in strategic SOE projects for the development of Indonesia, and strengthen ASEAN's position as the epicentrum of economic growth," Thohir said. (Antaranews)
August
President Arrives in North Sumatra After Visiting Africa
Written by Nur Yasmin
VOINews, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) arrived at the Kualanamu International Airport, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, on Friday morning, after embarking on a five-day visit to the African continent.
Upon his arrival, the head of state was welcomed by North Sumatra Governor Edy Rahmayadi, Bukit Barisan Regional Military Commander Major General Danier Chardin, and Chief of North Sumatra Police Inspector General Agung Setya Imam, according to the Presidential Secretariat's Press Bureau on Friday.
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, and Secretary of Cabinet Pramono Anung accompanied the president during his flight from Africa.
The president made the most of his visit to attend the 15th summit event of BRICS, an alliance comprising five developing countries, in South Africa, where he delivered a speech to emphasize the importance of all parties to consistently respect international law and human rights.
In front of four leaders of the five BRICS countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, President Jokowi also underscored that the current global economic order is highly unfair, adding that such a situation cannot be left unaddressed.
"We must continue to advocate for equal and inclusive cooperation. BRICS can be at the forefront of fighting for just development and reforming world governance to be fairer," he remarked at the summit.
Apart from attending BRICS as an invitee, the head of state also made the most of his stay in Africa to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of several African countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
Earlier, the president and his entourage took off from the O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday (August 24) at 2:35 p.m. South African time, or 7:35 p.m. Western Indonesia Standard Time (WIB)
In North Sumatra, President Jokowi is scheduled to visit Binjai City to directly greet and distribute aid to merchants before inaugurating installation of the Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM) in the Medan-Binjai-Deli Serdang region as well as the Aek Tano Ponggol Bridge. (Antaranews)
August
RI, NZ Continue To Exchange Notes on Efforts To Free Pilot
Written by Nur Yasmin
VOINews, Jakarta - Indonesia's Foreign Ministry and the New Zealand Government have continued to communicate on efforts to free Susi Air pilot and New Zealander, Philip Mark Mehrtens, who is being held hostage by a Papuan separatist terrorist group.
"They (the New Zealand government) know what the (Indonesian) government is currently doing to free the hostage," Director General of Public Information and Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Teuku Faizasyah said in Padang, West Sumatra, on Monday.
He did not deny that freeing the New Zealand pilot will not be an easy task and will take time. However, the most important thing is that the communication between the two countries continues.
"I, myself, and the New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia meet every two weeks," he informed.
At the routine meeting, the ministry and the ambassador share information, including consular facilitation.
In other words, he said, the Indonesian Government has continued to try to save Mehrtens from the armed group. At the same time, it is hoped that efforts to free the pilot are also made known to all parties.
Earlier, Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri said the location where the Egianus Kogoya-led group is keeping the Susi Air pilot is difficult to reach.
According to him, efforts to free the pilot are still prioritizing negotiation by providing space to the community and religious leaders and the Kogoya family to communicate so that they become willing to free the pilot safely.
The New Zealand pilot was abducted by the armed separatist terrorist group on February 7, 2023, shortly after landing in Paro, Nduga district, Papua Pegunungan province. The group also torched the Susi Air aircraft that he had piloted. (Antaranews)
August
Suriname President Attends 133rd Anniversary of Javanese Migration to Suriname
Written by Nur Yasmin
VOInews, Jakarta: Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi said Suriname is a country with the most Javanese population in the South America and Caribbean region. According to him, the Javanese population has built a culture in Surinamese society, including a culture of hard work and mutual cooperation.
"People of Javanese descent also have a role in strengthening economic, social, cultural, religious, artistic, sports, and political development in Suriname," he said in a speech at the 133rd anniversary of the migration of Javanese people to Suriname, at the Sana Budaya building, Josef Israel Straat, Paramaribo, Tuesday (8/8), as conveyed by the Indonesian Embassy in Paramaribo in an official statement received on Thursday (10/8).
Furthermore, he said Suriname is a country consisting of various ethnicities, languages, and religions. He also advised Surinamese citizens of Javanese descent to continue working and contributing to the development and progress of Suriname.
Besides being attended by the President of Suriname, the 133rd Anniversary of Javanese Migration to Suriname was also attended by Minister of Education Science and Culture Henry Ori, community leaders of Javanese descent, and the Suriname Javanese Community Association.
At the commemoration organized by the association of Javanese descendants in Suriname, known as Vereniging Herdenking Javaanse Immigratie (VHJI), the book 133 Jaar Jawa Suriname was also launched.
"This book contains essays about the life of Javanese descendants in Suriname," wrote the Indonesian Embassy.
The book is part of the Grant Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Suriname for the Welfare of Surinamese People of Indonesian Descent in 2021 through VHJI, worth USD100,000.
"In addition to the documentation center located in the Sana Budaya building area, the Sana Budaya Building itself is an assistance from the Government of Indonesia which was inaugurated by former President Soeharto on October 28, 1995," wrote the Indonesian Embassy in Paramaribo.
In his remarks, Indonesian Ambassador Julang Pujianto expressed his highest appreciation to the Javanese community in Suriname, especially VHJI, which has helped preserve Javanese culture and traditions. He also expressed his commitment to continue strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Suriname.
In addition to the book launch, a wreath was also laid at the Sana Budaya gunungan monument. The wreaths were laid by the President of the Republic of Suriname, the Minister of Education Science and Culture of the Republic of Suriname, the Indonesian Ambassador to Suriname, and the Chairman of VHJI.
"The VHJI also organized a night market selling traditional Javanese food, batik clothes, and other accessories nuanced with Indonesian Javanese traditions," the Indonesian Embassy wrote.
There were at least 32,956 Javanese residents who came to Suriname in the period 1890-1939. The first wave of Javanese arrivals to Suriname was on August 9, 1890. Therefore, people of Javanese descent in Suriname always remember and commemorate August 9, 2023 as the day of Javanese migration to Suriname. (VOI/Andy)
August
Indonesian House Speaker Hands Over AIPA Chairmanship to Laos
Written by Nur Yasmin
VOINews, Jakarta - Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) and president of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Puan Maharani, handed over the chairmanship of AIPA to Laos on Wednesday.
"As the 44th president of AIPA, I hand over the gavel to Laos, as a token of the Lao presidency for the next AIPA session," Maharani said here.
She symbolically handed over the gavel of the AIPA session to the president of the National Assembly of Laos and Speaker of the Lao parliament, Xaysomphone Phomvihane, as a symbol of the AIPA presidency relay.
The 45th AIPA General Assembly will take place in October 2024 in Laos.
Maharani also handed over the AIPA flag relay as a sign of the handover of the AIPA secretariat from Indonesia to Laos. She expressed the hope that Laos will continue Indonesia's efforts and make the next AIPA General Assembly a success.
"I also appreciate the commitment of all delegations in promoting the spirit of ASEAN unity to address all differences that arise in every discussion at the 44th AIPA General Assembly," she added.
In the meantime, Phomvihane said that the Lao parliament is ready to organize the 45th AIPA by learning from the success of the Indonesian parliament.
"As the host, Indonesia has held the 44th AIPA session very successfully, and Laos is ready to continue this success in the 45th AIPA session in 2024," Phomvihane said after receiving the AIPA presidency relay from Maharani.
The House of Representatives of Indonesia hosted the AIPA session as chair of AIPA for 2023. This was in line with Indonesia's 2023 ASEAN chairmanship. (Antaranews)
August
President Reminds of ASEAN's Purpose To Make Region Stable, Peaceful
Written by Nur Yasmin
VOINews, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reminded of the purpose of the ASEAN, established 56 years ago, to make the region peaceful, stable, and prosperous.
"Today, 56 years ago, ASEAN was established to make Southeast Asia a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region. Today, I want us to reaffirm that spirit and determination," Jokowi remarked at the commemoration event of ASEAN's 56th Anniversary at the ASEAN Secretariat Building here on Tuesday.
The head of state noted that the current global dynamics and challenges are not easy to overcome along with the still-recovering global economy after the pandemic and sharper rivalries between countries.
However, President Jokowi expressed belief that the ASEAN is able to face these global challenges as long as it remains united.
According to the president, the ASEAN is characterized by much diversity that complements and strengthens each other.
The differences among ASEAN member states do not hinder the region's determination and ideals, he affirmed.
The head of state also emphasized that the ASEAN should be able to become the epicentrum of growth that proffers greater benefits to the people of the region and the world.
Hence, to this end, Jokowi urged the ASEAN to utilize its economic growth, demographic bonus, and the best economic opportunities.
"We must take advantage of this momentum to make ASEAN the future of the world, as an anchor of peace, stability, and world prosperity," Jokowi stated.
President Jokowi further stated that Indonesia, as the chair of ASEAN this year, is keen to build a strong foundation in the region, so that it is able to face challenges and respond to global dynamics.
After delivering his remarks, President Jokowi cut the nasi tumpeng, or yellow rice that is consumed during special occasions, and handed the first piece to ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and the second piece to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. (Antaranews)
August
All Matters Related to 43rd ASEAN Summit Already Prepared: President
Written by Nur Yasmin
VOINews, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated that all matters pertaining to the implementation of the 43rd ASEAN Summit, scheduled in Jakarta on September 5-7, 2023, have been prepared.
After attending the ASEAN 56th Anniversary commemoration event here on Tuesday, Jokowi explained that the readiness is expected to reach 100 percent ahead of the Southeast Asian bloc's summit in September 2023.
"Everything has been planned and prepared, and we hope that everything will be 100-percent ready during the ASEAN Summit in September," Jokowi remarked.
When ANTARA sought confirmation on the presence of non-ASEAN heads of state who will attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Jokowi stated that everything is still in progress.
"So far, (everything) is under process," he remarked.
Similarly, responding to whether US President Joe Biden will attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit, Jokowi stated that everything is still in progress.
"The (attendance) confirmation is still under process," he noted.
In May 2023, eight ASEAN heads of state, the ASEAN Secretary General, and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak attended the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara.
Thailand and Myanmar did not attend the 42nd Summit.
During the commemoration event of ASEAN's 56th Anniversary, President Jokowi stated that Indonesia, as the chair of ASEAN this year, is keen to build a strong foundation in the region, so that it is able to face challenges and respond to global dynamics.
"We realize that Myanmar's situation is still a challenge, (and) ASEAN helps Myanmar with the Five-Point Consensus. However, we must realize that the situation can be resolved if there is political will throughout Myanmar," Jokowi stated.
The president remarked that the ASEAN is a "vessel" that must continue to sail forward.
"This vessel must not sink, as this is our responsibility for hundreds of (millions) of lives, the people who are on board," Jokowi remarked. (antaranews)
August
Maintaining ASEAN's Solidity Crucial To Play Central Role: Jokowi
Written by Nur Yasmin
VOINews, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated that if ASEAN countries continue to be solid with mutual trust, then the region can play a central role and will remain relevant.
"The outlook of mutual trust and ASEAN solidity is very important, including solidity between ASEAN member governments, ASEAN member parliaments, and with other stakeholders. If the ASEAN is solid, then the ASEAN can play its central role and continue to be relevant," he noted at the opening of the 44th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in Jakarta, Monday.
Moreover, the president underscored the need for the government, parliament, and all stakeholders in the region to work for the welfare of the ASEAN community.
According to Jokowi, ASEAN's economic growth continues to be stable and is considered worldwide as one of the motors of world economic growth.
"As Chair of ASEAN, Indonesia wants ASEAN to remain as the center of world economic growth and the epicenter of growth," he affirmed.
Hence, President Jokowi suggested that ASEAN economic integration must continue to be strengthened, supported by the removal of trade barriers between ASEAN partners and increase in mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
He also reminded that the parliament is the representative voice of the people. Hence, the opening of the ASEAN charter that began with the words "We, the Peoples" means that the public's aspirations must be put forward.
"It has been 56 years that the ASEAN has contributed greatly to peace and stability in the region. However, we must work hard since regional peace and stability must always be realized," he remarked.
He also emphasized that the ASEAN needs to maintain an outlook of mutual trust and solidity in order to jointly strive for regional peace and stability.
"For this matter, ASEAN (members) must cooperate and trust each other to become a leader in maintaining peace and stability in the region," he said. (antaranews)
August
ASEAN Requires Parliaments' Support To Build Prosperous SE Asia
Written by Nur Yasmin
VOINews, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized that the ASEAN needs the support of its parliaments to build a prosperous Southeast Asian region.
"Our task is to leverage the trust in ASEAN to build a prosperous Southeast Asia. This requires the support of ASEAN parliaments," he noted during the 44th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in Jakarta on Monday.
Jokowi cited a survey conducted by the EU-ASEAN Business Sentiment among 600 private sectors in the EU, revealing that the ASEAN is considered as a region with the best economic opportunities, at 63 percent, surpassing China, 12 percent, and India, eight percent.
Around 80 percent of the respondents in the survey also view ASEAN as an essential region, and approximately 84 percent are keen to increase their trade transactions with ASEAN.
"The survey shows a high level of confidence in ASEAN, and our collective task is to capitalize on that trust," Jokowi affirmed.
He also underscored the importance of all parties working hard to realize a prosperous Southeast Asian region.
"The ASEAN Charter begins with 'We The Peoples,' signifying that the interests of the ASEAN people are paramount," Jokowi stated.
The charter, established during the 13th ASEAN Summit in November 2007, serves as the foundational document of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Through the ASEAN Charter, the organization's principles, rules, and values are formally documented, providing a legal framework for its operations.
The charter also outlines the objectives and aspirations of ASEAN and establishes the institutional structure necessary for their realization. (Antaranews)